Cable tray cable routing system

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to a cable routing system with a bracket that joins adjacent cable trays. The bracket includes a main body having a top edge, a bottom edge, and sides. The top edge includes at least one notch at a center of the main body to retain transverse wires of the adjacent cable trays. The bottom edge includes a spring arm to hold the bracket in place. The bracket is attached to adjacent cable trays with a longitudinal wire of each cable tray positioned between the top edge and the spring arm to secure the bracket to the cable tray.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/281,392, filed May 19, 2014, which will issue as U.S. Pat. No.9,853,428 on Dec. 26, 2017; which is a divisional of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/109,635, filed May 17, 2011, which issued asU.S. Pat. No. 9,178,343 on Nov. 3, 2015; which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/346,205, filed May 19, 2010, the subjectmatter of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a cable tray system, and moreparticularly, to a wire cable tray system for routing cables in variousoverhead applications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Overhead cable routing systems typically include a cable basket or acable duct. The cable basket or cable duct include integral sidewalls.Various routing devices are installed on the cable basket or cable ductduring installation. Often the sidewalls of the cable basket or cableduct need to be cut when a tee, cross or right angle pathway is created.As a result, installation of the typical cable basket or cable ductpathway is time consuming, costly and creates sharp edges.

It is desirable to provide a cable routing system that refrains fromrequiring walls to be cut during installation of the system. It wouldalso be desirable to provide an improved cable routing system that iseasier and quicker to install.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a cable routing system. The cablerouting system is formed from a tray having a plurality of transversewires and a plurality of longitudinal wires. The transverse wires form agenerally flat top portion with downwardly extending sidewalls.Longitudinal wires are positioned underneath the top portion, sidelongitudinal wires are positioned adjacent the downwardly extendingsidewalls and bottom longitudinal wires are positioned at an end of eachof the downwardly extending sidewalls. The transverse wires and thelongitudinal wires form a grid with a plurality of openings for routinga plurality of cables.

The cable routing system includes sidewalls removably secured to thetray. The sidewalls retain the plurality of cables routed thereon.

The cable routing system further includes at least one corner radiusdevice removably secured to the tray. The corner radius device providesbend radius control to the plurality of cables routed along intersectingcable trays.

The cable routing system further includes brackets for joining adjacentcable trays. The brackets include a main body, upper members, a bottommember and sides. The main body has a base with a top edge, a bottomedge and sides. The upper members extend from the top edge of the mainbody. The upper members are designed to engage a longitudinal wire ofthe cable tray. The upper members include a space that retainstransverse wires of adjacent cable trays. The bottom member extends fromthe bottom edge of the main body and the side members extend from thesides of the main body. A longitudinal wire of the cable tray ispositioned between the upper members and the side members to secure thebracket to the cable tray.

The cable routing system includes brackets for joining perpendicularcable trays. The brackets include a main body and a securing clip. Themain body has a bottom and two sides extending upwardly from the bottom.Each side includes a deflectable side latch that is designed to engage abottom longitudinal wire of the cable tray. The securing clip engagesthe main body to secure the bracket to the cable tray.

The cable routing system further includes a drop down cable routingdevice. The drop down cable routing device includes an outer shell andan inner core. The outer shell has downwardly extending sides with amating flange extending from a bottom of each side. The inner core ispositioned within the outer shell. The inner core has a base with aplurality of loops at the center of the base for engaging the cabletray. The base includes sides with a mounting flange extendingdownwardly therefrom. The mounting flanges of the outer shell are weldedto the mounting flanges of the inner core to secure the outer shell andthe inner core together.

The cable routing system further includes a wall mount bracket. The wallmount bracket supports the cable tray when the cable tray is mounted toa wall. The wall mount bracket includes a back wall and a sidewalloutwardly extending from the back wall. The back wall includes a top, abottom, sides and mounting holes positioned therebetween. The sidewallhas a distal end with an engaging member that receives a bottomlongitudinal wire of the cable tray.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of the cable tray cablerouting system of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a top perspective view of a section of the cable trayof the cable tray cable routing system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a top perspective view of cable tray sections of FIG.1 joined by sidewall joiner brackets;

FIG. 4 illustrates a partial perspective view of the cable tray sectionsand the sidewall joiner bracket of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded front perspective view of the sidewalljoiner bracket of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 illustrates a front perspective view of the sidewall joinerbracket of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 illustrates a rear perspective view of the sidewall joinerbracket of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 illustrates a top perspective view of cable tray sections of FIG.1 joined by sidewall joiner brackets and center position joinerbrackets;

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the partial cable tray sectionsand center position joiner brackets of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 illustrates a front perspective view of the center positionjoiner bracket of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10a illustrates a front perspective view of an alternative centerposition joiner bracket;

FIG. 11 illustrates a rear perspective view of the center positionjoiner bracket of FIG. 8;

FIG. 12 illustrates a top perspective view of a cable tray section ofFIG. 1 with a plurality of sidewalls;

FIG. 13 illustrates an exploded front perspective view of a sidewall ofFIG. 12;

FIG. 14 illustrates an exploded rear perspective view of a sidewall ofFIG. 12;

FIG. 15 illustrates a side view of a sidewall of FIG. 12;

FIG. 16 illustrates a cross sectional view of the sidewall of FIG. 12;

FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of the partial cable tray andsidewalls of FIG. 12 with the sidewalls in alternative positions;

FIG. 18 illustrates a front perspective view of a partial cable traysection of FIG. 1 with a side spill down;

FIG. 19 illustrates a back perspective view of the side spill down ofFIG. 18 attached to a cable tray section;

FIG. 20 illustrates a side view of the side spill down of FIG. 18positioned to be attached to the cable tray section;

FIG. 21 illustrates a front perspective view of the partial cable traysection and side spill down of FIG. 18 with a cable bundle routed overthe side of the cable tray section;

FIG. 22 illustrates a top perspective view of a partial cable traysection of FIG. 1 with a drop down waterfall device;

FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective view of the drop down waterfall deviceof FIG. 22;

FIG. 23a illustrates a perspective view of an alternative drop downwaterfall device;

FIG. 24 illustrates a perspective view of the outer shell of the dropdown waterfall device of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 illustrates a perspective view of the inner core of the dropdown waterfall device of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25a illustrates a perspective view of the inner core of the dropdown waterfall device of FIG. 23 a;

FIG. 26 illustrates a perspective view of the outer shell and the innercore of the drop down waterfall device of FIG. 23 positioned to beassembled together;

FIG. 26a illustrates a perspective view of the outer shell and the innercore of the drop down waterfall device of FIG. 23a positioned to beassembled together;

FIG. 27 illustrates a cross sectional view of the drop down waterfalldevice installed on a cable tray;

FIG. 27a illustrates a cross sectional view of the drop down waterfalldevice of FIG. 23 a;

FIG. 28 illustrates a cross sectional view of the drop down waterfalldevice installed on a cable tray;

FIG. 29 illustrates a top perspective view of partial cable traysections of FIG. 1 with an intersect joiner bracket;

FIG. 30 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the intersect joinerbracket of FIG. 29;

FIG. 30a illustrates an exploded perspective view of an alternativeintersect joiner bracket;

FIG. 31 illustrates a perspective view of the intersect joiner bracketof FIG. 30 assembled;

FIG. 32 illustrates a front view of the intersect joiner bracket of FIG.31;

FIG. 33 illustrates a side view of the intersect joiner bracket of FIG.31 positioned to be installed on a first cable tray;

FIG. 34 illustrates a side view of the intersect joiner bracket of FIG.31 being installed on the first cable tray;

FIG. 35 illustrates a side view of the intersect joiner bracket of FIG.31 installed on the first cable tray and a second cable tray positionedto be installed on the intersect joiner bracket;

FIG. 36 illustrates a side view of the intersect joiner bracket of FIG.31 installed on the first cable tray and the second cable tray installedon the intersect joiner bracket;

FIG. 37 illustrates a side view of the intersect joiner bracket of FIG.31 completely installed on the first and second cable tray;

FIG. 37a illustrates a side view of the intersect joiner bracket of FIG.30a installed on a cable tray;

FIG. 38 illustrates a front view of the intersect joiner bracket of FIG.31 completely installed on the first and second cable tray;

FIG. 39 illustrates a top perspective view of partial cable traysections of FIG. 1 with corner radius devices;

FIG. 40 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the inside of thesidewall attachment of the corner radius device of FIG. 39;

FIG. 41 illustrates a perspective view of the inside of the sidewallattachment of FIG. 40;

FIG. 41a illustrates a perspective view of the inside of an alternativesidewall attachment;

FIG. 42 illustrates a perspective view of the outside of the sidewallattachment of FIG. 40;

FIG. 42a illustrates a perspective view of the outside of the sidewallattachment of FIG. 41 a;

FIG. 43 illustrates a perspective view of the inside of the cornerradius device of FIG. 39 positioned to be installed on the cable traysections;

FIG. 43a illustrates a perspective view of the inside of an alternativecorner radius device to be installed on the cable tray sections;

FIG. 43b illustrates a perspective view of the inside of the alternativecorner radius device of FIG. 43a with the alternative sidewallattachment of FIG. 41 a;

FIG. 44 illustrates a perspective view of the inside of the cornerradius device of FIG. 43 installed on the cable tray sections;

FIG. 45 illustrates a top perspective view of a cable tray section ofFIG. 1 with a trapeze bracket;

FIG. 46 illustrates a perspective view of the trapeze bracket of FIG.45;

FIG. 47 illustrates a perspective view of the locking clip of FIG. 46positioned to engage the cable tray;

FIG. 48 illustrates a perspective view of the locking clip of FIG. 46engaging the cable tray;

FIG. 49 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the cable tray sectionand trapeze bracket of FIG. 46;

FIG. 50 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the locking clip ofFIG. 49;

FIG. 51 illustrates an end view of the trapeze bracket and locking clipof FIG. 46;

FIG. 52 illustrates a perspective view of a cable tray section of FIG. 1with a cantilever wall mount bracket;

FIG. 53 illustrates a front perspective view of the cantilever wallmount bracket illustrated in FIG. 52;

FIG. 54 illustrates a back perspective view of the cantilever wall mountbracket illustrated in FIG. 53;

FIG. 55 illustrates an exploded view of the cantilever wall mountbracket and locking clip of FIG. 53;

FIG. 56 illustrates a side view of a cable tray positioned to beinstalled on the assembled cantilever wall mount bracket and lockingclip of FIG. 53;

FIG. 57 illustrates a side view of the cable tray positioned on thecantilever wall mount bracket of FIG. 56;

FIG. 58 illustrates a side view of the cable tray positioned on thecantilever wall mount bracket of FIG. 57 with the back locking tab ofthe cantilever wall mount bracket holding the bottom longitudinal wireon one side of the cable tray;

FIG. 59 illustrates a side view of the cable tray positioned on thecantilever wall mount bracket of FIG. 58 with the locking clip engagingthe bottom longitudinal wire on one side of the cable tray;

FIG. 60 illustrates perspective view of a cable tray section with a walltermination bracket;

FIG. 61 illustrates a front perspective view of the wall terminationbracket of FIG. 60 secured to a cable tray section;

FIG. 62 illustrates a back perspective view of the wall terminationbracket of FIG. 61 secured to a cable tray section;

FIG. 63 illustrates a partially exploded back perspective view of thewall termination bracket of FIG. 62;

FIG. 64 illustrates an exploded view of the slide clamp used to securethe cable tray to the wall termination bracket of FIG. 63;

FIG. 65 illustrates an exploded side view of the slide clamp illustratedin FIG. 64;

FIG. 66 illustrates a side view of the slide clamp of FIG. 65 with thetightening screw installed therein;

FIG. 67 illustrates an end view of a cable tray section positioned to beinstalled on the wall termination bracket of FIG. 64;

FIG. 68 illustrates an end view of a cable tray section positioned onthe wall termination bracket of FIG. 67;

FIG. 69 illustrates an end view of the cable tray section secured to thewall termination bracket of FIG. 68;

FIG. 70 illustrates an alternative wall termination bracket for widecable tray sections illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 71 illustrates a front perspective view of the wall terminationbracket of FIG. 70 secured to a cable tray section; and

FIG. 72 illustrates a back perspective view of the wall terminationbracket of FIG. 70 secured to a cable tray section.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of the cable tray cablerouting system 100 of the present invention. The cable tray cablerouting system 100 is an overhead system with no integral sidewalls. Thecable tray cable routing system 100 includes sidewall joiner brackets130 (see FIGS. 3-7) and center position joiner brackets 180 (see FIGS.8-11) for securing adjacent cable trays. The cable tray cable routingsystem 100 includes snap-on sidewalls 200 (see FIGS. 12-17) forinstalling sidewalls where cable retention is highly required. The cabletray cable routing system 100 includes side spill downs 220 (see FIGS.18-21) and drop down waterfall devices 250 (see FIGS. 22-28) for routingcables to and from the system. The cable tray cable routing system 100includes intersect joiner brackets 300 (see FIGS. 29-38) and cornerradius devices 350 (see FIGS. 39-44). Finally, the cable tray cablerouting system 100 includes trapeze brackets 400 (see FIGS. 45-51),cantilever wall mount brackets 450 (see FIGS. 52-59) and walltermination brackets 500, 550 (see FIGS. 60-72) for supporting the cabletray cable routing system.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a section of the cable tray 110of the present invention. Each cable tray section 110 includes aplurality of transverse wires 112 and a plurality of longitudinal wires120. The transverse wires 112 form a generally flat top 114 forsupporting cables routed on the cable tray cable routing system 100.Each transverse wire 112 includes a top portion 116 and sidewalls 118.Top longitudinal wires 120 are positioned underneath the top portion 116of the transverse wires 112. A side longitudinal wire 122 is alsopositioned adjacent to each sidewall 118 and a bottom longitudinal wire124 is positioned at the end of each sidewall 118. The cable tray 110 isformed from large diameter wires, which creates a more rigid structurewith fewer longitudinal wires. As a result, the cable tray is generallystronger and weighs less than competitive trays. Also, the reduction inlongitudinal wires would reduce cutting time during installation of thecable tray system.

The longitudinal wires 120 and the transverse wires 112 of the cabletray 110 form a grid with a plurality of openings 126. The openings 126in the cable tray 110 have been sized to maximize the number of cablesthat can pass through a single opening. The openings 126 have also beensized to enable a pre-terminated cassette, such as the pre-terminatedcassette disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 7,689,089, to passstraight through the opening without having to cut away any wiresforming the cable tray 110 to enlarge the openings 126.

The openings in the center of the cable tray 110 are uniform with thecable opening width being identical for all cable tray pathway widths(12″, 18″, 24″ and 30″). However, the width of the end openings changesfor each cable tray pathway width (12″, 18″, 24″ and 30″).

FIGS. 3-7 illustrate sidewall joiner brackets 130 used to join twoadjacent cable tray sections 110. The sidewall joiner bracket 130 fitson either side of adjacent cable tray sections 110. As illustrated inFIG. 4, the sidewall joiner bracket 130 is installed at the gap betweenthe two cable tray sections 110. The sidewall joiner bracket 130 ispositioned at the gap and pushed forward toward the center of the cabletrays 110 until the side longitudinal wire 122 and the bottomlongitudinal wire 124 are engaged by the sidewall joiner bracket 130.

FIGS. 5-7 illustrate the sidewall joiner bracket 130. The sidewalljoiner bracket 130 includes a main body 132 that is a single stampedmetal part. The main body 132 includes an upper horizontal window 142, alower horizontal window 144 and two vertical slots 146. The windows 142,144 and the slots 146 are located near the center 134 of the main body132. The main body 132 also includes a hole 148 for receiving a bondingscrew 174 to secure the sidewall joiner bracket 130 to the cable trays.

Upper members 150 with upper spring arms 152 extend horizontally from atop edge 136 of the main body 132 of the sidewall joiner bracket 130.The upper spring arms 152 engage the side longitudinal wires 122 of thecable trays 110 to prevent the sidewall joiner bracket 130 from rattlingand to account for position tolerance on the cable tray 110.

A bottom member 154 with lower spring arms 156 extends horizontally froma bottom edge 138 of the main body of the sidewall joiner bracket 130.The lower spring arms 156 engage the bottom longitudinal wires 124 ofthe cable trays 110 to secure the sidewall joiner bracket 130.

The upper members 150 and the bottom member 154 extend away from themain body 132 such that when the sidewall joiner bracket 130 isinstalled on the cable trays 110, the upper members 150 and the bottommember 154 extend under the flat top 114 of the cable trays 110.

Wrap around metal arms 158 extend from each side 140 of the main body132 such that a portion of each wrap around metal arm 158 extendsthrough the vertical slots 146 near the center 134 of the main body 132.As illustrated in FIG. 5, a portion of the wrap around metal arm 158projects through the vertical slot 146 in front of the main body 132.When the sidewall joiner bracket 130 is installed on the cable trays110, the wrap around metal arms 158 prevent the transverse wires 112from separating when the cable trays 110 are loaded.

The sidewall joiner bracket 130 also includes a press-in spacer clip160. The press-in spacer clip 160 is a separate stamped metal part. Thepress-in spacer clip 160 includes a body 162 with a thru hole 168, anupper spacer tab 170 and a lower spacer tab 172. The upper and lowerspacer tabs 170, 172 extend horizontally from the upper and lower edges164, 166 of the body 162, respectively. As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7,the upper and lower spacer tabs 170, 172 of the press-in spacer clip 160are installed in upper and lower windows 142, 144 in the main body 132of the sidewall joiner bracket 130. The press fit holds the spacer clip160 in place thereby eliminating the need for welding.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4, 6 and 7, a bonding screw 174 is installed inthe sidewall joiner bracket 130. The bonding screw 174 passes throughthe thru hole 168 in the press-in spacer clip 160 and threads into thehole 148 in the main body 132 of the sidewall joiner bracket 130. Whenthe sidewall joiner bracket 130 is installed on two adjacent cable traysections 110, the bonding screw 174 is tightened to provide electricalcontinuity between the cable tray sections 110 by cutting through thepowder coating and into the metal of each transverse wire 112. Asillustrated in FIG. 4, the sidewall joiner bracket 130 contains thetransverse wires 112, the side longitudinal wire 122 and the bottomlongitudinal wire 124.

FIGS. 8-11 illustrate the center position joiner bracket 180. The centerposition joiner bracket 180 is used in connection with the sidewalljoiner bracket 130 to stabilize and strengthen the middle portion of thecable tray sections 110. The center position joiner bracket 180 furtherenhances the connection made by the sidewall joiner brackets 130 whenjoining two adjacent cable tray sections 110. Typically, the centerpositioned joiner bracket 180 is used on wider sections of cable tray,for example 24″ or 30″ wide, to prevent deflection at the center of thecable trays.

FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of the center position joiner bracket180. The center position joiner bracket 180 includes a main body 182with a top edge 186 and a bottom edge 188. The top edge 186 is foldedover for added strength. Two notches 192 are formed in the top edge 186near the center 184 of the center position joiner bracket 180. Thenotches 192 create a retention area for the transverse wires 112 (seeFIGS. 8 and 9). The bottom edge 188 extends away from the front of themain body 182. The bottom edge 188 provides additional strength to thecenter position joiner bracket 180.

Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 10a , the center position joinerbracket 180 a may include one notch 192 a formed in the top edge 186 aof the center position joiner bracket 180 a. The notch 192 a creates aretention zone for the transverse wires 112 of adjacent cable trays. Thecenter position joiner bracket 180 a with the single notch 192 afacilitates manufacturing and installation of the center positionbracket 180 a.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the center position joiner bracket 180 alsoincludes a plurality of formed tabs 194, 196 extending away from thefront of the center position joiner bracket 180. A tab 194 extends fromeach side 190 of the center position joiner bracket 180. Two main bodytabs 196 also extend from the main body 182. The main body tabs 196 arepositioned such that one main body tab 196 is between the notched area192 and each side edge 190 of the center position joiner bracket 180.The side tabs 194, main body tabs 196 and the top edge 186 create aspace that accepts longitudinal wires 120 of the cable tray sections 110(see FIG. 9). A tight fit between the longitudinal wires 120 and theside tabs 194, main body tabs 196 and top edge 186 provide rigidity forthe center position joiner bracket 180.

The center position joiner bracket 180 also includes a formed spring arm198 extending from the bottom edge 188. The formed spring arm 198includes a first member 198 a extending generally upwards away from themain body 182 and a second member 198 b angled downwardly towards themain body 182. The formed spring arm 198 provides a pre-load and holdsthe center position joiner bracket 180 in place.

To install the center position joiner brackets 180, the formed springarm 198 is deflected to allow a longitudinal wire 120 to snap into placeunder the top edge 186 and above the main body tabs 196 and the sidetabs 194. The transverse wires 112 are positioned in the retention areasformed by the notches 192 in the top edge 186 of the center positionjoiner bracket 180 (see FIG. 9). The transverse wires 112 are alsopositioned on the formed spring arm 198.

FIG. 12 illustrates a cable tray section with a plurality of snap-insidewalls 200. The snap-in sidewalls 200 are designed to be installedanywhere along the length of the cable tray section 110 where cableretention or containment is necessary.

As illustrated in FIGS. 13-14, each snap-in sidewall 200 consists of awire support arm 202 and a sheet metal base 204. The wire support arm202 is completely rounded with no sharp edges. The rounded wire supportarm 202 provides cable protection for the cables routed on the cabletrays 110. The wire support arms 202 also provide strength withoutadding additional weight to the cable tray cable routing system 100.

The wire support arm 202 is comfortable to handle and install on thecable trays 110. The wire support arm 202 is designed to be insertedinto formed loops 210 of the sheet metal base 204. Once the wire supportarm 202 is installed in the formed loops 210 in the base 204, the formedloops 210 are attached via a standard crimping or welding process tohold the wire support arm 202 in place and provide a secure attachmentfor the wire support arm 202.

The sheet metal base 204 is formed as a single piece with a back surface206 and a front surface 208. The sheet metal base 204 includes upperclips 212, lower tabs 214, latches 216 and a recessed area 218. Asillustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, the upper clips 212 engage and latchonto the side longitudinal wires 122 of the cable trays 110. The lowertabs 214 engage and latch onto the bottom longitudinal wires 124 of thecable trays 110. The latches 216 deflect during installation and thenretain the side longitudinal wires 122 to prevent accidental removal ofthe snap-in sidewall 200. The latches 216 are designed to be overcomewith moderate force so that the snap-in sidewall 200 can be pulled upand off of the cable tray 110 when removal of the sidewall 200 isnecessary.

The sheet metal base 204 is designed to snap-on to the sides 118 of thecable tray 110 at any point where cable retention is necessary. Asillustrated in FIG. 17, the snap-in sidewall 200 is snapped on the cabletray 110 such that it is positioned between two transverse wires 112 ofthe cable tray 110. Alternatively, the snap-in sidewall 200 may besnapped on the cable tray 110 such that one transverse wire 112 ispositioned in the recessed area 218 at the center of the base 204.

FIGS. 18-21 illustrate the cable tray 110 with a side spill down 220.The side spill down 220 is attached at the sidewall 118 of the cabletray 110 for routing cables over the side of the cable tray 110. Theside spill down 220 is a molded plastic device. The side spill down 220includes a top surface 222, a vertical bend radius 224, horizontal bendradius 226 and bend radius pillars 228. The bend radius pillars 228provide strength and stability when cable bundles are routed along thetop surface 222 of the side spill down 220.

As illustrated in FIG. 20, the side spill down 220 also includesmolded-in plastic ribs 230, cored out areas 232 for plastic latches andmolded-in plastic latches 234. The molded-in plastic ribs 230 engage theside longitudinal wire 122 and the bottom longitudinal wire 124 when theside spill down 220 is snapped on to the cable tray 110. The molded-inplastic latches 234 deflect and snap back into place over the sidelongitudinal wire 122 to secure the side spill down 220 on the cabletray 110 (see FIG. 19). As illustrated in FIGS. 18, 19 and 21, the topsurface 222 of the side spill down 220 rests on the transverse wires 112of the cable tray 110.

FIG. 21 illustrates a cable bundle routed along the cable tray section110 and over the side spill down 220. The side spill down 220 enablesthe cable bundle to be routed around the horizontal bend radius 226 anddown the vertical bend radius 224 over the side of the cable traythereby maintaining the required bend radius for protecting the cablebundle.

FIG. 22 illustrates a cable tray section 110 with a drop down waterfalldevice 250 attached thereto. The drop down waterfall device 250 isinstalled within the cable tray to enable cables routed in the cabletray 110 to drop down within the tray. The drop down waterfall device250 provides bend radius protection for the cables dropping from thecable tray 110.

FIGS. 23-26 illustrate the drop down waterfall device 250 prior toinstallation on the cable tray. The drop down waterfall device 250includes two stamped metal parts, an outer shell 252 and an inner core270. The outer shell 252 is partially cylindrical with a cut-out notch260 at each end 254. The cut-out notches 260 prevent the drop downwaterfall device 250 from rotating when installed on the cable tray 110.The partially cylindrical outer shell 252 folds over at the bottom 258of each side 256 to form generally L-shaped legs 262. The legs 262include a horizontal member 264 and a downwardly extending verticalmember 266. The legs 262 of the outer shell 252 are formed to mate withthe legs 284 of the inner core 270 when the outer shell 252 and theinner core 270 are assembled together.

FIG. 23a illustrates an alternative drop down waterfall device 250 awith an outer shell 252 a and an inner core 270 a. The outer shell 252 aand the inner core 270 a of the alternative drop down waterfall device250 a include mating flanges 263 and 285, respectively (see FIGS. 25a,26a and 27a ). The mating flanges 263 and 285 have been designed tosimplify the manufacturing of the drop down waterfall device 250 a.

The inner core 270 includes a metal loop 272 with latch snaps 280 at thetop 274 of the metal loop 272 and a plurality of retention tabs 282extending from the base 276. The sides 278 of the base 276 fold over toform generally L-shaped legs 284. The legs 284 include a horizontalmember 286 and a downwardly extending vertical member 288. Asillustrated in FIG. 27, the legs 284 of the inner core 270 mate with thelegs 262 of the outer shell 252 and may be welded together to create asingle part.

The metal loop 272 is designed to fit over a transverse wire 112 of thecable tray 110 and the latch snaps 280 are designed to snap on to thetransverse wire 112 of the cable tray to hold the inner core 270 inplace. The retention tabs 282 extend outwardly and upwardly from thebase 276. The retention tabs 282 include a first member 282 a, a secondmember 282 b and a third member 282 c.

The inner core 270 a of the alternative drop down waterfall device 250 ais illustrated in FIG. 25a . The inner core 270 a includes a top portionwith metal loops 272 a that are downwardly facing U-shaped loops forengaging the transverse wire 112 of the cable tray. The inner core 270 aalso includes latch snaps or offset retaining arms 280 a for engaging atransverse wire 112 of the cable tray. The offset retaining arms 280 ainclude a generally semi-circular upper portion. The offset retainingarms 280 a have a greater interference with the transverse wire 112 thanthe latch snaps 280 illustrated in FIG. 25. The additional interferenceincreases the pre-load and provides a more secure fit to the cable tray.

Each end of the inner core 270 a includes longitudinal wire retaininglatches 283 that extend upwardly and outwardly from the base 276 a. Thelongitudinal wire retaining latches 283 include a first member 283 a, asecond member 283 b and a third member 283 c. The third member 283 cincludes a chamfered edge 283 d (see FIG. 27a ) that allows forclearance between the longitudinal wire retaining latches 283 and theouter shell 252 a during installation. A mating flange 285 extendsdownwardly from each side 278 a of the base 276 a. Each mating flange285 extends at an angle towards the center of the inner core 270 a.

FIG. 26 illustrates the outer shell 252 and the inner core 270positioned for assembly together. The inner core 270 is slid into theouter shell 252 with the legs 284 of the inner core 270 positioned onthe legs 262 of the outer shell 252 as illustrated in FIGS. 23 and 27.

FIG. 26a illustrates the outer shell 252 a and the inner core 270 apositioned for assembly together. The outer shell 252 a includes sides256 a with bottoms 258 a that lead to the mating flanges 263. The matingflanges 263 are generally V-shaped. As illustrated in FIG. 27a , themating flanges 285 of the inner core 270 a and the mating flanges 263 ofthe outer shell 252 a are welded together to create a single part.

Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 28, the third member 282 c of theretention tabs 282 engage longitudinal wires 120 of the cable tray 110to provide a pre-load to hold the drop down waterfall device 220 inplace.

FIG. 29 illustrates perpendicular cable tray sections 110 that intersectand are joined by intersect joiner brackets 300.

FIGS. 30-32 illustrate the intersect joiner bracket 300. The intersectjoiner bracket 300 includes a joiner 302, a securing clip 330 and abonding screw 344. The joiner 302 includes two sides 304 and a bottom306. The bottom 306 includes a front 320 with an upwardly extending tab322 and a hole 324 (see FIG. 32) for receiving the bonding screw 344.The sides 304 extend upward from the bottom 306 to form the joiner 302.Each side 304 includes inwardly extending side latches 308 for engagingthe bottom longitudinal wire 124 of a cable tray section 110. Each side304 also includes a plurality of tabs 310, 311 for preventing the cabletray 110 from sliding. Each side 304 also includes an opening 312 forengaging the side longitudinal wire 122 of a cable tray section 110 anda notch 314 for engaging the bottom longitudinal wire 124 of a cabletray section 110. Finally, the back of each side 304 includes anoutwardly extending flange 316.

The securing clip 330 includes a bottom 332 with a hole 338 forreceiving the bonding screw 344 and a tab 340 extending upwardly fromthe back 334 of the securing clip 330. The securing clip 330 alsoincludes wings 342 extending upwardly from the sides 336 of the securingclip 330. The wings 342 engage the sides 304 of the joiner 302 when theintersect joiner bracket 300 is assembled.

FIG. 30a illustrates an alternative intersect joiner bracket 300 a. Thealternative intersect joiner bracket 300 a includes a joiner 302 a, asecuring clip 330 a and a thread cutting bonding screw 344 a. Thealternative joiner 302 a includes side latches 308 a that are L-shaped.The side latches 308 a deflect towards the center of the joiner 302 athereby enabling the joiner 300 a to contain the bottom longitudinalwire of the cable tray. The alternative securing clip 330 a includes abottom 332 a with upwardly extending wings 342 a. Each wing 342 aincludes a U-shaped slot 343 designed to receive a bottom longitudinalwire of the cable tray. The securing clip 330 a also includes a tab orstrengthening flange 340 a positioned at the front of the securing clip330 a.

As illustrated in FIGS. 31 and 32, the bonding screw 344 is onlypartially threaded into the hole 324 in the joiner 302. As describedbelow, once the intersect joiner bracket 300 is installed on theintersecting cable trays, the bonding screw 344 is tightened.

FIGS. 33-38 illustrate the installation process of the intersect joinerbracket 300 on intersecting cable trays 110. As illustrated in FIG. 33,the intersect joiner bracket 300 is positioned to be inserted at anangle between the side longitudinal wire 122 and the bottom longitudinalwire 124 of a first cable tray. FIG. 34 illustrates the intersect joinerbracket 300 hooked under the side longitudinal wire 122 such that theside longitudinal wire 122 is positioned in the openings 312 in thesides 304 of the joiner 302. Next, the intersect joiner bracket 300 isrotated downward towards the bottom longitudinal wire 124 such that thebottom longitudinal wire 124 is positioned in the notches 314 of thesides 304 of the joiner (see FIG. 35).

FIG. 35 illustrates a second intersecting cable tray 110 positioned tobe installed in the intersect joiner bracket 300. The second cable tray110 is dropped down into the joiner 302. FIG. 35 also illustrates atransverse wire 112 of the first cable tray positioned adjacent tab 310.

FIG. 36 illustrates the second cable tray 110 seated in the intersectjoiner bracket 300. The side latches 308 deflect as the second cabletray 110 is dropped into place in the joiner 302. After the second cabletray 110 is installed, the side latches 308 flex back into the originalposition to secure the bottom longitudinal wire 124 of the second cabletray 110. The bonding screw 344 is then tightened to drive the securingclip 330 up to engage the bottom longitudinal wire 124 of the firstcable tray 110 thereby clamping the joiner 302 in position. The bondingscrew 344 cuts into the bottom longitudinal wire 124 of the first andsecond cable trays to provide electrical continuity (see FIGS. 37 and38).

FIGS. 37 and 38 illustrate the intersect joiner bracket 300 completelyinstalled on the intersecting first and second cable trays. Typically,an intersect joiner bracket 300 is installed at each side of the secondcable tray to secure the second cable tray to the first cable tray (seeFIG. 29). However, one or more intersect joiner brackets 300 may also beused to reinforce the middle of the intersecting cable trays.Additionally, the intersect joiner bracket 300 may be installed andadjusted between the transverse wires 112 of the first cable tray or theintersect joiner bracket 300 may be installed to straddle a transversewire 112 of the first cable tray.

FIG. 37a illustrates the alternative intersect joiner bracket 300 a (seeFIG. 30a ) installed on a cable tray. The bottom longitudinal wire 124of the cable tray is positioned within the U-shaped slot 343 of thesecuring clip 330 a. The bonding screw 344 a is tightened to drive thesecuring clip 330 a up to hold the bottom longitudinal wire 124 of thecable tray firmly in place. The bonding screw 344 a effectively cuts thebottom longitudinal wire 124 of the cable tray to provide electricalcontinuity.

FIGS. 39-44 illustrate the corner radius device 350 used with the cabletray cable routing system 100 to provide bend radius control to cablesrouted along intersecting cable tray sections. FIG. 39 illustratesintersecting cable tray sections 110 that are joined by intersect joinerbrackets 300. A corner radius device 350 is positioned along each sideof the intersecting cable trays to provide a bend radius for a T-fittingconfiguration. Although a T-fitting configuration is illustrated, thecorner radius device may be used on various cable tray configurationswhere bend radius is required.

The corner radius device 350 includes two sidewall attachments 352 and awire corner element 384. FIGS. 40-44 illustrate the sidewall attachments352 of the corner radius device 350. Each sidewall attachment 352includes a wire form post 354, an upper sidewall piece 356, a bottomsidewall piece 370, a bolt 366 and a wing nut 367.

The wire form post 354 is similar to the wire support arm 202 of thesnap-in sidewalls 200 illustrated in FIGS. 12-17. The wire from post 354is completely rounded with no sharp edges. The rounded wire form post354 provides cable protection for the cables routed on the cable trays110. The wire form post 354 is designed to be inserted into side formedloops 360, 376 of the upper sidewall piece 356 and the bottom sidewallpiece 370, respectively. Once the wire form post 354 is installed in theformed loops 360, 376, the formed loops 360, 376 are attached via astandard crimping or welding process to hold the wire form post 354 inplace.

The upper sidewall piece 356 also includes an upper formed loop 358 anda lower formed loop 362. The upper formed loop 358 captures the upperwire 392 of the wire corner element 384 and the lower formed loop 362captures the lower wire 394 of the wire corner element 384 (see FIG.43). The lower formed loop 362 also includes a hole 364 for receivingthe bolt 366, which tightens the sidewall attachment 352 onto the wirecorner element 384. The tabs 368 along the sides 359 of the uppersidewall piece 356 extend outward forming a channel 369 to contain thewire form post 354 when the sidewall attachment 352 is assembled.

The bottom sidewall piece 370 is similar to the base 204 of the snap-insidewalls 200 illustrated in FIGS. 12-17. The bottom sidewall piece 370is formed as a single piece with a back surface 372 and a front surface374. The bottom sidewall piece 370 includes side formed loops 376, upperclips 378, lower tabs 380, latches 382 and a recessed area 383. Theupper clips 378 engage and latch onto the side longitudinal wires 122 ofthe cable trays 110. The lower tabs 380 engage and latch onto the bottomlongitudinal wires 124 of the cable trays 110. The latches 382 retainthe side longitudinal wires 122 to prevent accidental removal of thebottom sidewall piece 370. The latches 382 are designed to be overcomewith moderate force so that the sidewall attachment 352 and attachedwire corner element 384 can be pulled up and off of the cable tray 110when removal of the corner radius device 350 is necessary.

Alternatively, as illustrated in FIGS. 41a and 42a , the sidewallattachment 352 a includes a wire form post 354 a, an upper sidewallpiece 356 a and a bottom sidewall piece 370 a. The wire form post 354 ais completely rounded with no sharp edges. The rounded wire form post354 a provides cable protection for the cables routed on the cable trays110. The upper sidewall piece 356 a is bead welded to the upper portionof the wire form post 354 a. The bottom portion of the wire form post354 a is designed to be inserted into side formed loops 376 a of thebottom sidewall piece 370 a. Once the wire form post 354 a is installedin the formed loops 376 a, the formed loops 376 a are clamped or weldedto hold the wire form post 354 a in place.

The upper sidewall piece 356 a includes an upper formed loop or upperretaining feature 358 a and a lower formed loop or lower retainingfeature 362 a. The upper formed loop 358 a captures the top wire 386 bof the wire corner element 384 b and the lower formed loop 362 acaptures the lower wire 394 b of the wire corner element 384 b (see FIG.43b ).

The bottom sidewall piece 370 a is formed as a single piece with a backsurface 372 a and a front surface 374 a. The bottom sidewall piece 370 aincludes side formed loops 376 a, upper clips 378 a, lower tabs 380 aand latches 382 a. The upper clips 378 a engage and latch onto the sidelongitudinal wires 122 of the cable trays 110. The lower tabs 380 aengage and latch onto the bottom longitudinal wires 124 of the cabletrays 110. The latches 382 a retain the side longitudinal wires 122 toprevent accidental removal of the bottom sidewall piece 370 a. Thelatches 382 a are designed to be overcome with moderate force so thatthe sidewall attachment 352 a and attached wire corner element 384 b canbe pulled up and off of the cable tray 110 when removal of the cornerradius device 350 a is necessary.

Once the sidewall attachment 352 is assembled, it may be installed onthe wire corner element 384. As illustrated in FIG. 43, the wire cornerelement 384 includes a top wire 386, side wires 388 and a bottom wire390. An upper wire 392 and a lower wire 394 extend between side wires388. The wire corner element 384 also includes a plurality of wires 396that extend from the top wire 386 to the bottom wire 390.

Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 43a , the wire corner element 384a may include a top wire 386 a, side wires 388 a, an upper wire 392 a, alower wire 394 a and cross wires 396 a.

FIG. 43b illustrates the corner radius device 350 a with an alternativewire corner element 384 b and sidewall attachments 352 a (see FIGS. 41aand 42a ). The wire corner element 384 b includes a top wire 386 b, sidewires 388 b, an upper wire 392 b, a lower wire 394 b and cross wires 396b. The wire corner element 384 b can be welded in a single operation andthen bent 90 degrees to form the wire corner element 384 b. The crosswires 396 b are longer at the bottom of the wire corner element 384 b sothat they protrude past the transverse wires of the cable tray. Thelonger cross wires 396 b are designed to prevent cables from passingunder the cable tray when routed past the corner radius device 350 a.

As discussed above, the upper formed loop 358 engages the upper wire 392and the lower formed loop 362 engages the lower wire 394. The bolt 366and wing nut 367 secure the sidewall attachment 352 to the wire cornerelement 384. If desired, the wing nuts 367 are loosened to enable thesidewall attachment 352 to slide along the upper and lower wires 392,394 to the proper location to facilitate easy installation to thejunction formed by intersecting cable trays 110. Once the sidewallattachments 352 are positioned on the wire corner element 384 and thewing nuts 367 are tightened, the sidewall attachments 352 are snappedonto the cable trays 110.

The bottom sidewall piece 370 of the sidewall attachment 352 is designedto snap on to the sides of the cable tray 110 at any point, wheredesired. As illustrated in FIGS. 39 and 44, one sidewall attachment 352is snapped on the cable tray 110 such that the bottom sidewall piece 370is positioned between two transverse wires 112 of the cable tray 110. Asecond sidewall attachment 352 is snapped on the cable tray 110 suchthat one transverse wire 112 is positioned in the recessed area 383 atthe center of the bottom sidewall piece 370.

FIGS. 45-51 illustrate the trapeze bracket 400 with a threaded rod 402for connecting the overhead cable tray cable routing system 100 to aceiling member (not illustrated). A first end 404 of the threaded rod402 is secured to the trapeze bracket 400 and a second end (notillustrated) of the threaded rod 402 would be secured to a ceilingmember (not illustrated).

The trapeze bracket 400 includes a channel 406 with a bottom 408 andsidewalls 410. Preconfigured mounting holes 416 may extend along thebottom 408 of the channel 406 for receiving the threaded rod 402.

The sidewalls 410 include an inwardly extending top portion 420 thatforms a generally J-shape. A center portion of the channel 406 alsoincludes top forms 422 that extend from the J-shape top portion 420 ofthe sidewalls 410. The top forms 422 are designed to support the centerof the cable tray 110 as illustrated in FIG. 45. Each top form 422includes a top surface 424 that contacts the bottom of the cable tray110 and inwardly extending flanges 426.

Each end 414 of the trapeze bracket 400 has a pre-installed locking clip430. Once the cable tray 110 is positioned on the trapeze bracket 400,the locking clips 430 are slid to engage the bottom longitudinal wire124 of the sidewall 118 of the cable tray 110 (See FIG. 48).

The locking clip 430 includes a bottom 432 with sidewalls 434 extendingtherefrom. Each sidewall 434 includes a hook 436 for engaging the bottomlongitudinal wire 124 of the cable tray 110. The locking clip 430 slidestoward the cable tray 110 until the hooks 436 engage the bottomlongitudinal wire 124.

A clamp screw 438 secures the locking clip 430 to the trapeze bracket400 and the cable tray 110. The clamp screw 438 is threaded into thelocking clip 430 at the bottom of the locking clip 430. The clamp screw438 is offset so that the clamp screw 438 will not line up with thethreaded rod mounting holes 416 in the channel 406 of the trapezebracket 400. When the clamp screw 438 is tightened, the clamp screw 438drives against the bottom 408 of the trapeze bracket 400 to pull thelocking clip 430 down to secure the cable tray 110 to the trapezebracket 400.

FIGS. 52-59 illustrate the cantilever wall mount bracket 450 for thecable tray cable routing system 100. The cantilever wall mount bracket450 provides support for the cable tray 110 that is routed parallel to awall. FIG. 52 illustrates the cantilever wall mount bracket 450 with asection of cable tray 110.

FIGS. 53 and 54 illustrate the cantilevered wall mount bracket 450. Thecantilevered wall mount bracket 450 includes a back wall 452 and asidewall 460 extending outwardly from one side 454 of the back wall 452.Each side 454 of the back wall 452 includes a locking tab 456 thatdefines a slot 457 for receiving the bottom longitudinal wire 124 of onesidewall 118 of a cable tray section 110. The slot 457 may behorizontal, as illustrated, or angled. The back wall 452 also includeskey hole mount slots 458 for enabling the cantilevered wall mountbracket 450 to be quickly mounted to a wall.

The outwardly extending sidewall 460 includes formed ribs 464 positionedalong the outwardly extending sidewall 460 for providing strength to thecantilevered wall mount bracket 450. A strengthening lip 466 ispositioned along the edges of the outwardly extending sidewall 460. Thefront end 462 of the outwardly extending sidewall 460 includes a formedarea 468 designed to receive a locking clip 480 similar to the lockingclips 430 used with the trapeze bracket 400 (see FIGS. 45-51). Theformed area 468 at the front end 462 includes a channel 470 with abottom 472 and sidewalls 474 extending upwardly therefrom. Each sidewall474 may include a locking tab 476 designed to engage the bottomlongitudinal wire 124 of an opposite sidewall 118 of the cable traysection 110 (see FIG. 52). Alternatively, the sidewall 474 may have asquare end with no under-cut slot (not illustrated).

FIG. 55 illustrates the cantilevered wall mount bracket 450 and thelocking clip 480. The locking clip 480 includes a bottom 482 withsidewalls 484 extending therefrom. Each sidewall 484 includes a hook486. The locking clip 480 slides onto the front end 462 of thecantilever wall mount bracket 450. A clamp screw 488 installed at thebottom 482 of the locking clip 480 is tightened to secure the lockingclip 480 in place. As illustrated in FIG. 56, the front locking tabs 476of the formed area 468 and the hooks 486 of the locking clip 480 extendin opposite directions. As a result, when a cable tray section 110 isinstalled on the cantilevered wall mount bracket 450, the bottomlongitudinal wire 124 of one sidewall 118 of the cable tray 110 ispositioned between the locking tabs 476 and the hooks 486.

FIGS. 56-59 illustrate a cable tray section 110 being installed on acantilevered wall mount bracket 450. FIG. 56 illustrates a section ofthe cable tray 110 positioned to be installed on a cantilevered wallmount bracket 450. The section of cable tray 110 is positioned such thatthe bottom longitudinal wires 124 of each sidewall 118 are aligned withan opening between the hooks 486 of the locking clip 480 and the frontlocking tabs 476 and an opening in front of the back locking tabs 456.

FIG. 57 illustrates the section of cable tray 110 positioned on thecantilevered wall mount bracket 450. The cable tray 110 is positionedabove the strengthening lip 466 extending from the top edge of theoutwardly extending sidewall 460. The strengthening lip 466 supports thecable tray 110 when loaded. One bottom longitudinal wire 124 ispositioned in the opening between the hooks 486 of the locking clip 480and the front locking tabs 476 and the other bottom longitudinal wire124 is positioned in the opening in front of the back locking tabs 456.

To secure the cantilevered wall mount bracket 450 to the cable traysection 110, the cable tray section 110 is pushed toward the back wall452 of the cantilevered wall mount bracket 450. As illustrated in FIG.58, one of the bottom longitudinal wires 124 slides under the backlocking tabs 456. Thus, the back locking tabs 456 hold the bottomlongitudinal wire 124 of one sidewall 118 of the cable tray 110.

Next, the locking clip 480 is slid towards the back wall 452 of thecantilevered wall mount bracket 450. As illustrated in FIG. 59, thehooks 486 of the locking clip 480 and the front locking tabs 476 engagethe bottom longitudinal wire 124 at the opposite sidewall 118 of thecable tray 110. The clamp screw 488 is tightened to pull the lockingclip 480 down and secure the cable tray section 110.

FIGS. 60-62 illustrate a wall termination bracket 500 mounted to a 12″wide cable tray section and intended to be mounted to a wall. The walltermination bracket 500 provides additional support for the cable trays.In some applications, the cable tray needs to be attached at the wallfor support. In other applications, the cable tray may need to besupported at the wall because cables are passing through the wall.

FIG. 63 illustrates the wall termination bracket 500 and FIGS. 64-66illustrate the slide clamp 530 used to secure the wall terminationbracket 500 to the cable tray 110. The wall termination bracket 500 isgenerally L-shaped with a top member 502 and a back member 504. The topmember 502 includes turned over edges 508 extending from ends 506 andthe back member 504 includes turned over edges 518 extending from ends516 to provide greater strength for the wall termination bracket 500.

The back member 504 also includes a plurality of wall mount slots 520for receiving a fastener to attach the wall termination bracket 500 to awall.

The top member 502 also includes a plurality of slide clamp slots 510for receiving slide clamps 530 to attach the wall termination bracket500 to the cable tray 110. The slide clamp slots 510 are generallyt-shaped with a wide middle portion 512 and narrow end portions 514. Thewide middle portion 512 of the slide clamp slots 510 allows the slideclamps 530 to fit on the wall termination bracket 500. The narrow endportions 514 of the slide clamp slots 510 enable the slide clamps 530 tobe captured when slid towards the end portions 514.

As illustrated in FIGS. 64-66, each slide clamp 530 includes a main body532, a pemsert 546 and a tightening screw 548. The main body 532 isU-shaped with the pemsert 546 extending downwardly from the bottom 536of the main body 532. The main body 532 also includes a hole 538extending through the top 534 and bottom 536 for receiving thetightening screw 548 there through. Two lead-in edges 540 extendupwardly from the top 534 of the main body 532. The lead-in edges 540form a notch 542 for receiving a longitudinal wire 120 of the cable tray110. A tongue 544 extends downwardly from the main body 532. The tongue544 is positioned between the lead-in edges 540. The tongue 544 fitsinto the slide clamp slots 510 in the wall termination bracket 500. Thetongue 544 enables the slide clamp 530 to slide back and forth in theslide clamp slot 510.

As the screw 548 is tightened, the U-shape main body 532 of the slideclamp 530 deflects and clamps onto the wall termination bracket 500 andlongitudinal wires 120 thereby securing the slide clamp 530 and cabletray 110 in place. The tongue 544 also prevents the slide clamp 530 fromturning when the screw 548 is tightened to further secure the slideclamp 530 and the wall termination bracket 500 to the cable tray 110.

FIGS. 67-69 illustrate the process of installing the cable tray 110 onthe wall termination bracket 500. FIG. 67 illustrates the cable traysection 110 positioned to be installed on the wall termination bracket500. The cable tray 110 is positioned so the bottom of the cable tray110 is positioned on the top 502 of the wall termination bracket 500. Asillustrated in FIG. 68, the longitudinal wires 120 of the cable tray 110are positioned on the top 502 of the wall termination bracket 500. Theslide clamps 530 are positioned adjacent to the longitudinal wires 120.The slide clamps 530 are slid toward an adjacent longitudinal wire 120until the longitudinal wires 120 are positioned in the notches 542 ofthe lead-in edges 540 of the slide clamps 530. Once the slide clamps 530have been positioned, each bolt 548 is tightened to secure the cabletray 110 in place (see FIG. 69).

Alternatively, FIGS. 70-72 illustrate wall termination brackets 550mounted to a wider cable tray section. Typically, the alternative walltermination bracket 550 is used for 18″, 24″ or 30″ wide cable trays.The alternative wall termination bracket 550 includes two identicalbracket pieces 550 a, 550 b that are mounted a distance apart. Asillustrated in FIGS. 70-72, a bracket piece 550 a, 550 b is positionedadjacent each sidewall 118 of a wider cable tray section 110.

The two identical bracket pieces 550 a, 550 b are similar to the walltermination bracket 500 illustrated in FIGS. 60-63. Each bracket piece550 a, 550 b includes a top member 552 a, 552 b and a back member 554 a,554 b. The top member 552 a, 552 b includes turned over edges 558 a, 558b and slide clamp slots 560 a, 560 b. The back member 554 a, 554 bincludes turned over edges 568 a, 568 b and mounting slots 570 a, 570 b.The top 552 a, 552 b of each identical bracket piece 550 a, 550 bextends between two longitudinal wires 120 of the cable tray section110. Slide clamps 530 are installed in the slide clamp slots 560 a, 560b and are positioned to engage the longitudinal wires 120 to secure theidentical bracket pieces 550 a, 550 b to the cable tray 110.

A wider cable tray would be installed over the alternative walltermination brackets 550 a, 550 b as discussed with respect to the walltermination bracket 500 illustrated in FIGS. 67-69.

Furthermore, while the particular preferred embodiments of the presentinvention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to thoseskilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made withoutdeparting from the teaching of the invention. The matter set forth inthe foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way ofillustration only and not as limitation. The actual scope of theinvention is intended to be defined in the following claims when viewedin their proper perspective based on the prior art.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A cable routing system comprising: a firstcable tray having a plurality of transverse wires and a plurality oflongitudinal wires; a second cable tray positioned adjacent to the firstcable tray, the second cable tray having a plurality of transverse wiresand a plurality of longitudinal wires; a bracket for joining the firstcable tray and the second cable tray, the bracket has a main body with atop edge, a bottom edge and sides; wherein the top edge includes atleast one notch at a center of the main body for retaining transversewires of the adjacent first cable tray and second cable tray; whereinthe bottom edge has at least one spring arm for holding the bracket inplace, the at least one spring arm has a first member extending upwardlyaway from the main body and a second member extending from the firstmember and angled downwards toward the main body; wherein one of thetransverse wires of the first cable tray and one of the transverse wiresof the second cable tray are positioned in the at least one notch at thecenter of the main body of the bracket and are positioned on the atleast one spring arm of the bracket; and wherein one of the longitudinalwires of the first cable tray and one of the longitudinal wires of thesecond cable tray are positioned in the bracket between and make contactwith the top edge and the at least one spring arm to secure the bracketto the cable tray.
 2. The cable routing system of claim 1, wherein thetop edge of the bracket is folded over for increasing the strength ofthe bracket.
 3. The cable routing system of claim 1, wherein the sidesof the bracket include side tabs extending in the same direction as thetop edge.
 4. The cable routing system of claim 3, wherein the main bodyof the bracket includes main body tabs parallel to the tabs extendingfrom the sides.
 5. The cable routing system of claim 4, wherein the sidetabs, main body tabs, and top edge create a space that acceptslongitudinal wires of the adjacent first and second cable traysproviding rigidity for the bracket.
 6. The cable routing system of claim1, wherein the bracket stabilizes and strengthens a middle portion ofthe adjacent first and second cable trays to prevent deflection at acenter of the adjacent first and second cable trays.